Allergies treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions
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Can I talk to a doctor on Maple about my allergies?
Yes, you can. A physician from Maple would be happy to discuss any signs of allergies or your allergy symptoms with you.
The doctor will want to discuss your condition, perform a physical exam, and evaluate recent things you’ve consumed, to check for possible causes of allergies. They may also suggest skin or blood tests before offering a diagnosis for allergies.
In some cases, the doctor may suggest you meet with an allergist through Maple, in order to provide an accurate diagnosis for your allergies. This service is available in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec or New Brunswick. It includes a diagnosis, plus any necessary treatment plans, test recommendations, or prescriptions.
Can I get a prescription on Maple?
Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications for allergies online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription for allergies, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.
You can visit our How it works page to learn more.
What are allergies?
Allergies are a common immune response to foreign substances called allergens.
These allergens normally aren’t harmful to your body. However, your body believes it’s in danger, so it activates an attack on the foreign substance. This results in the symptoms or signs of allergies.
What are the symptoms of an allergy?
The signs of allergies you show depend on the type of allergic response you’re experiencing.
Unless they’re severe, most allergies caused by bites or stings will only have swelling, itching, and tenderness at the affected area.
Skin allergies could be a sign of allergies, or appear as a direct result of being exposed to an allergen. When you come into direct contact with an allergen and have a reaction, these types of allergies are called “contact dermatitis.”
Some symptoms of skin allergies include:
- Itching
- Inflammation
- Burning, stinging, or tingling sensations
- Eczema
- Rashes
Seasonal allergies have symptoms similar to that of a cold. These symptoms could appear as:
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Swollen eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itching (nose, eyes, or skin)
- Postnasal drip
- Red, watery eyes
- Sinus pain or pressure
Similarly, minor food allergies have signs similar to seasonal allergies, in addition to stomach cramps and diarrhea.
Severe allergic reactions appear similarly, regardless of their triggers (i.e., food, insect, drug, etc.). In some cases, these can trigger anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. These often require immediate medical attention for symptoms such as:
- Fainting
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
- Swelling of the mouth, throat, lips, tongue, or hands
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing (or severe wheezing)
What causes allergies?
There are a number of common causes of allergies, such as:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Mold
- Certain foods (depending on the person)
- Certain drugs
- Animal products (pet dander, cockroaches, waste from dust mites, etc.)
- Bug bites or stings
- Plants
- Chemical irritants
How are allergies diagnosed?
The doctor will want to do a physical examination, as well as discuss your allergy symptoms, before offering any kind of diagnosis for allergies.
In some cases, the doctor may suggest you keep a food diary, and monitor any possible triggers that could be the cause of your allergies. They may also suggest having blood or skin tests done, to attempt and determine the exact cause of your allergies.
As well, the doctor may suggest that you meet with an allergist. This is a specialist that may be able to provide you with more allergy treatments options.
How are allergies treated?
The treatment for your allergies that will be most effective depends on the type of allergies you’re experiencing and their causes.
In most cases, the best way to avoid allergy symptoms is to determine their cause and avoid any triggering allergens.
If you have severe allergies, the doctor or allergist may suggest prescription allergy medications. They may also suggest additional allergy treatments, such as immunotherapy, or carrying emergency epinephrine shots with you in case of accidental exposure to allergens.
When to see a doctor about allergies?
If you believe that you’re showing the signs of allergies, or have begun to experience allergy symptoms, you may want to talk to a doctor. They’ll most likely suggest over-the-counter allergy medications to alleviate your symptoms, as a first step towards treatment.
When this approach doesn’t help, the doctor may suggest additional testing or visiting an allergist, before offering prescription allergy medications.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs of anaphylaxis, you should seek immediate medical attention.
What is Maple?
With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare platform for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors. We can also schedule a visit with an allergist for you.
Simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it works page to learn more.
Our doctors can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary. In addition to seeing a general practitioner on Maple, if you live in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec or New Brunswick, you can get an appointment with an allergist quickly and conveniently, from the comfort of your home.
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